Mining Incidents

Garnet USA LLCMetal/Nonmetal

Garnet USA LLC · Surface
Alder, Madison County, MT · Active
MSHA Mine ID: 2402072
Fatalities
0
Total incidents
61
Years on record
2000–2025
Latest incident
Jun 2025
No fatalities recorded at this mine.

Reportable incidents

61 on file

2025 · 2 incidents

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee knelt down to work on a forklift lift chain. While kneeling down, the Employee felt a pop in EE's left knee. On 6/10/2025 Employee sought medical treatment and received restrictions.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

On 2/20/2025, an employee reported pain/symptoms at the start of their shift. When asked if employee was aware of what caused the pain/symptoms or if anything occurred at work, they stated that on 2/18/25 they grabbed a loader handle when exiting equipment and the pain could possibly be from that event. The employee received a diagnosis for their shoulder pain on 4/29/2025.

2024 · 1 incident

Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE was leaning on desk and desk collapsed. EE injured right shoulder. EE saw medical professional on 11/06/24, and returned to duty with restrictions that did not impact EE's job duties. EE had followed up with specialist on 11/20/24, where EE was diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff requiring surgery to repair.

2023 · 4 incidents

Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE was lifting a 55 lbs. bag of garnet from the floor when they felt pain in their back. EE continued working and reported the back pain the following shift, 9/11/23.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE was changing socks for a dust collector. EE felt shoulder pain at end of shift but did not report the shoulder pain until 8/20 (night before next shift) EE sought medical care for pain in right shoulder on 8/21 and EE received work restrictions.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE developed back pain while on shift. Initial cause was not determined. EE submitted an additional report three weeks later stating the back was hurting from shoveling material and sought medical treatment and received work restrictions.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was collecting blast hole samples in the East Pit on 5/11/23. The employee reported pain in their lower back during sample collection. On 5/16/23, the employee notified their direct manager that they were not reporting to shift due to fatigue, which they attributed to back pain.

2022 · 2 incidents

Struck against stationary object

EE was moving a section of floor grating while performing plant maintenance tasks. EE was holding onto the grating and received a cut to right index finger. Medical treatment was sought where EE received stitches for the cut.

Struck against stationary object

Employee was replacing 1 1/2"" feed pipe lines on the spirals. Employee's head contacted I-beam while grabbing material for the task.

2021 · 2 incidents

Fall onto or against objects

While positioning a pipe for installation, EE slipped and fell onto concrete block, injuring lower back. EE was given prescription and time away from work as treatment from doctor.

Fall onto or against objects

EE was dragging a pipe and stepped on a 3"" hose that was covered under the snow. EE fell and landed on a rock, injuring back. Prescription was given as treatment.

2020 · 5 incidents

Struck against stationary object

While ducking under a beam to exit work area, EE struck head on a beam, knocking hard hat off and causing cut to head. Medical treatment was sought where EE received staples for cut. EE was released without restrictions.

Fall onto or against objects

While carrying pipe wrenches up a set of stairs, EE tripped and fell on right hand which caused bruising and cuts to the hand. EE visited doctor where EE was advised to stay home from work.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE twisted while stacking bags and caused injury to lower back. Medical treatment was sought on 03/30/2020 where a prescription and light duty restrictions were given to EE.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE was walking to the office when EE slipped and landed on right heel of hand. Doctor provided splint and implemented work restrictions as treatment.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee slipped and fell while carrying tools to repair a pump, causing injury to left elbow. Employee was given a prescription as treatment.

2019 · 3 incidents

Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE felt pain in arm and shoulder after performing 28 sieve sizings in a work shift. Medical treatment was sought where EE was given an anti-inflammatory shot as treatment.

Fall onto or against objects

EE was attempting to pull a strap from under a pallet. A forklift lifted the pallet, releasing the strap and causing EE to fall backward into a stack of pallets. EE sought medical attention for elbow pain where EE was advised to rest for the next shift until x-ray results were determined. EE was given a prescription as treatment.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

While entering a forklift, EE's left foot slipped causing EE to start falling. While falling, the door EE was holding onto swung out, pulling EE's right shoulder resulting in shoulder pain. Doctor was seen where EE was advised to not report to work for two days.

2018 · 6 incidents

Struck against a moving object

EE was using a dozer to rip up tight blasted material. The ripper caught a rock, stopping the dozer and jarring the EE. Initial report was a tight and sore lower back. Medical treatment was later sought. EE was diagnosed with lower back strain and possible fracture. Prescription was given as initial treatment.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

An EE was attempting to pry the cap off a solenoid when the tool slipped, causing a puncture wound below the EE's left thumb. The puncture wound required stitches as treatment.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

An employee was carrying lab trays when the trays began to slide. When the employee stepped to stabilize the trays, EE rolled the ankle. EE initially thought the injury was minor. The next week, the employee sought medical treatment where EE was diagnosed with a small fracture.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

An employee lifted a grease gun from waist level and rotated to the left, at which point they felt a sharp pain in the lower back. Employee sought medical treatment on July 23rd where they were diagnosed with a possible bulging disk. Employee was given a prescription as initial treatment.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Employee experienced pain in their right shoulder after using the handrail to enter equipment. Shoulder pain became worse throughout the day. Employee was then seen by a medical provider and received a prescription and work restrictions for initial treatment.

Over-exertion in wielding or throwing objects

Employee began feeling numbness and tingling in right arm. Initial cause was not determined. Medical treatment was sought and a prescription was given as treatment. After third party investigation, it was determined that the shoulder was most likely caused by repeatedly breaking chunks of frozen material to allow them to pass through the rotary dryer.

2017 · 4 incidents

Struck by flying object

While walking from the plant to the office, an employee felt something in eye. Attempts to flush the foreign body were unsuccessful. The foreign body had to be extracted at a medical clinic.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

An employee tripped and fell while loading blast holes, causing a hip joint sprain. The employee received work restrictions from a healthcare professional.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

While pushing a pallet of garnet with a pallet jack, an employee felt a pop in the left foot that was followed by a sharp pain. The employee received initial diagnostics, but did not receive treatment until 2018.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

An employee strained lower back while moving exploration samples. Employee saw a doctor on 5/1/17 where employee received manipulation treatment.

2016 · 1 incident

Contact with heat

An employee reported to safety with symptoms of dizziness and nausea. The employee was treated with first aid and the symptoms subsided. The employee later sought medical attention the next day where employee was treated for dehydration and heat illness.

2015 · 11 incidents

Struck by flying object

Welding and cutting on bracing in the Dry Building and something went into his eye. Had to go to a clinic off site, they removed the particle and gave him something to put into his eye.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

An employee was installing socks into a dust collector. He was inside the dust collector with his head sticking out of the door opening. Wind blew the door over and the door struck him on top of the hard hat, causing a pain in his back. The employee went to the doctor where he received a prescription as treatment.

Absorption of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

An employee had just exited an excavator and was outside walking to lunch. A hornet landed on the employee and he was stung on the right forearm. The sting caused some swelling. The swelling did not subside so on 10/14/15 the employee went to the doctor where he received a prescription as treatment.

Contact with electrical current

Employees were raising a PVC pipe that directed garnet onto a sizing screen. After raising the pipe, they screwed a bracket into the pipe to secure it in position. When the screw to hold the bracket penetrated through the pipe wall, a large amount of static electricity was released from inside the pipe. The static electricity shocked the two employees that were holding the pipe.

Contact with electrical current

Employees were raising a PVC pipe that directed garnet onto a sizing screen. After raising the pipe, they screwed a bracket into the pipe to secure it in position. When the screw to hold the bracket penetrated through the pipe wall, a large amount of static electricity was released from inside the pipe. The static electricity shocked the two employees that were holding the pipe.

Unclassified, insufficient data

An employee fainted during a CPR/First Aid training due to the graphic content contained in the training. The employee was transported in an ambulance and given an IV. The employee did not receive any supplemental injuries as a result of fainting.

Bodily reaction, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

All employees were performing morning stretches as a group. While performing a basic left leg lunge, an employee injured his right knee.

Struck against stationary object

Employee was trying to place a cover over a pump propeller. While trying to place the cover, the employee was moving his hand along a brass bushing. A burr on the brass bushing caused a cut on the employee's middle finger that required three stitches.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Employee was in the dry plant getting screens out of the holding rack. The employee states that he was facing the rack and pushing screens to the left when something popped in the back of his left knee causing a shooting pain.

Contact with hot objects or substances

Employee was using a cutting torch to cut metal while he was laying on his side. A piece of hot material fell under his welding hood and safety glasses. The employee received minor burns to his right eye and eyelid. The doctor applied eye drops to the employee.

Struck against a moving object

Employee was operating a haul truck. The frozen road conditions caused a rough ride for haul truck drivers. The driver seat suspension system failed which jarred the employee. The employee suffered a spine strain.

2014 · 7 incidents

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was stepping out of fuel truck when he slipped off the 2nd step. He grabbed the handle on the side of the truck to prevent himself from falling. While preventing himself from falling, he pulled his right shoulder, causing a shoulder strain.

Absorption of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

The employee's lip suddenly felt numb and began to swell. Swelling increased and spread to his cheek. He did not feel any sort of sting or bite, he did not use any chemicals, and he did not eat any food before the swelling began. The employee went to the medical clinic where they could not determine a cause. The clinic stated that it seemed to be an allergic reaction.

Fall to lower level, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee crossed Danger tape to remove an extension cord that was stuck on metal grating. He reached to grab the extension cord when he fell into the pump vault through an opening in the grating. He landed on a pile of garnet sand causing a soft tissue lower back injury. The injury was not reported until 10/16/2014.

Struck against a moving object

Employee was using a loader to load haul trucks. He lowered the bucket and proceeded to move the loader forward to fill the bucket. The bucket came into contact with a large rock that was still partially buried. The contact abruptly stopped the loader, jolting the employee. The employee went to the medical clinic where it was determined that he had a cervical strain.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

At approximately 11:00 am the employee noticed he had something in his right eye. Once the employee got home he noticed that his eye was really red. he went to the optometrist at 9 pm who removed a piece of metal. he was given prescription eye drops to use QID.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was walking up some stairs and felt a pop in his right knee. Doctor was seen and was put on light duty work. EE suffered a right knee strain.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Injured shoulder while shoveling garnet out of hydrosizer. Went to doctor and was given a injection of steroids and placed on light duty.

2013 · 8 incidents

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was walking behind the mine wet plant outside when he stepped into a frozen puddle which was covered with water. This in turn caused employee to slip hitting his head on the ice. He had a tooth that was cracked due to fall. He did not seek medical attention until Feb 24, 2014 and the dentist removed the tooth.

Absorption of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

Supervisor directed EE to go under office and catch cat. The cat bit him in the wrist and he was unable to catch the cat.

Inhalation of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

Working in screen tower on 12/6/2013. Employee was moving screens came in contact with pigeon dropping disturbing them. Early Saturday morning 12/14/2013 employee started to not feel well and having shortness of breath. He went to Barret Hospital Emergency Room in Dillion where he was admitted.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was welding and got a foreign body in his eye. Foreign body on cornea. Starting to affect vision. Safety Eq. was used.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was working on the screen deck had braced himself on the handrail and the weld broke and the handrail gave way. Reached up to grab something to catch himself. Shoulder was tight , pain when raising arm up and back.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Bent over to pick up pipe welder, started to lift and back popped, fell to knees. Had pain with all movement.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

EE was pulling pipe (22' section 12"" diam) and twisted pipe around into pipe welder. Felt sharp pain in L. Shoulder when pulling, pushing and lifting arm.

Accident type, without injuries

A miner was using an excavator to remove concrete footers and severed one or more underground utility lines. This resulted in the miner being confined to the cab of the excavator until the area was cleared and safe for the miner to exit the excavator. No injuries to the miner and no damage to the excavator.

2012 · 1 incident

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

While moving a spiral and frame the spiral hung up. This caused a piece of square tubing to break off striking employee on hardhat, knocking it off and suffering a laceration on his forehead.

2010 · 1 incident

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Ice had built up at base of sand screw where start/stop panel is located. After starting the sand screw EE was walking toward the roll crusher and his right leg slipped forward and his left leg twisted as EE fell to the ground.

2009 · 1 incident

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Employee was pulling on 100' bucket elevator chain with a pipe wrench and strained himself.

2007 · 1 incident

Fall onto or against objects

Employee fell from slime tank line onto pumpline with 1 1/2 inch cap. (approx 3 feet). Employee landed on right side ribs.

2000 · 1 incident

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

WHILE REBUILDING THE DISCHARGE ON THE FEED SIZING SCREEN A SMALL PIECE OF METAL BECAME EMBEDDED IN THE EE'S EYE. EITHER DURING WELDING OR GRINDING EE HAD METAL MOVED ON 11/10/00 WHEN EYE SWELL ED